As a result of their world-conquering commercial success, it's easy to consider the Police mere "hit makers." But drawing that conclusion would undermine a truly phenomenal—and musically progressive—body of work. Though Sting's dark, brooding songwriting seemed to dominate the band, equally crucial were the musical contributions of the trio's soft-spoken guitarist, Andy Summers.

The Eighties was a decade of unrivaled guitar heroism. And one of its greatest heroes is also one of its greatest villains. Steve Vai's nefarious turn in the 1986 film Crossroads sent legions of kids scurrying to their metronomes in hot pursuit of his blistering neoclassical chops.

It's hard to overstate Van Halen's impact in the world of rock music. Led by Eddie Van Halen's ferocious, fiery and always innovative guitar playing, Van Halen carved out a niche in music that hadn't existed before, and spawned innumerable imitators.